The course was led by prominent biosafety trainer Professor Richard W Gilpin, Course Director of the Control of Biohazards Course, developed at Johns Hopkins University, the US, and now in its 35th year of delivery.

“The field of biosafety was developed in the 1940s in the US and the UK to raise awareness among those who work with hazardous micro-organisms. Biosafety principles are designed to protect workers and support staff, people in the laboratory and the building, and the general public,” Prof Gilpin said.

“Training provided is important for all professionals working with micro-organisms, by promoting safe ways of working through identification of potential hazards and accident prevention.

“An important aspect of the training focuses on the basics of working in a laboratory: safe movements, types of gloves and protective clothing, proper hand washing techniques, and how to manage spills.”

Professor Ramzi Mohamad, Director, HMC’s Interim Translational Research Institute, and Head of Research, Division of Medicine, said: “The healthcare research culture in Qatar is developing rapidly, and HMC and AHS are playing a key role in its development. The course provides a vital foundation for healthcare professionals in biomedical research in Qatar to continue safe and effective research.”